Home Remedies for Chigger Bites

is there a home remedy for chigger bites?
(10 Jun 2009)

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Chigger bites are a problem we commonly deal with in spring and summer because of the increased time we spend outdoors. Chigger bites pose no serious risk but they are extremely annoying and discomforting because of the intense itching that they cause. To understand how to deal with chigger bites, it’s important that you know more about chiggers, because there are quite a few home remedies that are ineffective because they stem from an ill informed knowledge.

Contrary to popular belief chiggers do not burrow under the skin, nor do they bite with pincers. They feed through a stylostome, which is a straw like tube penetrating into the skin.

The itching we experience is caused as a reaction the chiggers saliva, which contains enzymes to break down cell walls.

This partially digested slurry is then ingested by the chiggers. The main reason for the itching reaction and small red bumps is the enzyme in the saliva, and in some people this allergic reaction can be very severe with large sores or hives. The stylostome itself is the other cause of itching, because of irritation and discomfort, which will dissipate as your body’s immune and lymphatic system will dissolve it in time.

Home remedies like the application of nail polish stem from the idea of smothering a chigger that is embedded in your skin. This is an ineffective treatment as chiggers don’t burrow in your skin. In fact chiggers are unlikely to remain on your skin either, as even mild scratching dislodges and gets rid of them. The reason why some people claim that nail polish does make them feel better probably has more to do with the fact that nails polish would seal the bite from the air. The most effective method to get rid of chiggers is in fact by having a shower or a bath. The treatment should then aim at relieving the itchiness, and over the counter creams work quite well at this. Secondary infections from skin lesions caused due to scratching should be your main concern, and antiseptic applications can address this concern. Oatmeal baths will work well to provide much needed relief from the itching. According to some individuals smearing petroleum jelly over the affected skin can also provide relief. Calamine lotions are very soothing and can also provide some quick relief. Whatever you do avoid scratching the skin vigorously as bruising of the skin can be more worrying than the bites itself.

answered by S D on 10 Jun 2009, 3:42:38

Home Remedies for Chigger Bites

is there a home remedy for chigger bites? (10 Jun 2009)

is there a home remedy for chigger bites?
(10 Jun 2009)